Discovering that we snore can leave us seriously surprised, and this sound that we emit through our mouth when sleeping can be annoying for anyone around us, but in more severe cases, it can even affect our rest. There is no doubt that powerful snoring is very unattractive, but what is behind this condition? What makes us produce this noise, and what situations enhance it? At FastlyHealwe, explain why you snore and the leading solutions to this problem.
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How does snoring occur?
The first thing we must be clear about is that although snoring can be very annoying for the person with whom we share our bed and even for other inhabitants of the house, this problem does not necessarily indicate a serious health condition.
Snoring occurs when there is an obstruction in the passage of air in the back of our mouth and nose, where the tongue, soft palate, and uvula meet. This causes that during breathing, vibrations are generated that produce the characteristic sound of snoring, which can be light, moderate, or very intense depending on the case.
In general, snoring is not a severe problem. However, some people suffer from a disorder known as sleep apnea which occurs when we partially or completely stop breathing during snoring. More common in people with obesity, this condition deserves treatment and attention as it can generate complications.
Why do I snore?
Logically, when you discover that you snore, the first thing you want to know is why you do it. Before entering this matter, it is essential to clarify that snoring is not a condition that only affects men; in fact, many women also suffer from it. In the same way, many children snore. This is basically because the physical reasons that usually cause snoring can affect anyone, but something clear is that the problem worsens with age due to the loss of tone of our muscles.
The reasons why we snore are:
Large tonsils or adenoids
This is one of the most common causes of snoring in children. However, adults are also affected and people who suffer from obesity, since these tissues can increase in size thanks to being overweight. If your adenoids or tonsils are very large, air passage could be difficult, causing the vibrations that cause snoring.
Problems with the nasal septum
If you have a deformed or deformed nasal septum, air could get blocked in your nose, making it difficult to breathe while you sleep. Keep in mind that septum deviations cannot always be seen with the naked eye, so the opinion of an otolaryngologist is essential.
An ample palate or uvula
As with adenoids and tonsils, if your palate is too long, it could make it difficult for air to pass from your mouth to your nose; the same happens if your uvula is large.
Nasal congestion
Colds, allergies, or sinusitis congest our nose, preventing proper breathing and causing the air not to circulate correctly when sleeping. This is why many people tend to snore only when they have these types of conditions.
Obesity
People who are overweight also tend to suffer from enlarged areas such as the tonsils, adenoids, lack of muscle tone in the back of the mouth, and additional tissue in the neck area that can put pressure on the airways and generate snoring. Sleep apnea is more common in this group.
Loss of muscle tone
Whether due to aging or lack of physical activity and being overweight, loss of muscle tone in the back of the mouth or neck can promote snoring.
Ingestion of alcohol, sleeping pills, or antihistamines
The consumption of alcohol, sleeping pills, drugs, or antihistamines that cause drowsiness can cause the muscles of the throat or tongue to relax, causing them to obstruct the respiratory tract partially and, therefore, hinder the adequate passage of air in the area. This is why many people snore only when they drink or take certain medications.
Snoring is more common when we sleep on our backs because this position can accentuate the difficulty for air to pass correctly, so it is recommended to avoid this position. Despite this, many people also snore while sleeping on their side. In any case, determining the cause of the problem and thus the solution requires a consultation with an otolaryngologist.
The importance of visiting a doctor if you snore
Although there are general recommendations to stop snoring, the truth is that if this condition frequently occurs. For functional or physical causes, you should be diagnosed by an otolaryngologist, who will give you the best alternatives to solve the problem. In the consultation, the specialist will be able to:
- Determine if the problem is with very large adenoids or tonsils. In both cases, removal surgery can solve the problem.
- If the condition is caused by problems with the septum, a rhinoplasty to straighten it is an excellent way to ensure adequate airflow.
- In the case of having an ample palate or uvula, there are also surgical alternatives to reduce them.
- If the problem is that you have rhinitis or allergies, it is recommended to visit an allergist to receive an appropriate treatment that reduces discomfort and guarantees adequate breathing.
Tips to stop snoring
In addition to visiting a specialist when snoring occurs frequently, some measures will help you avoid it or reduce its intensity; that is why at FastlyHealwe recommend:
- Avoid sleeping on your back, as this position is the one that accentuates the problem the most. Make an effort to sleep on your side to minimize snoring.
- It is essential to avoid alcohol or sedatives before sleeping, as these habits stimulate snoring.
- In the same way, it is convenient to avoid very copious and heavy meals since this type of dinner also encourages snoring.
- Sleeping with your head slightly tilted using two pillows or slightly raising the head of the bed can help improve respiratory flow.
- Using nasal bands to improve breathing is helpful, especially in patients with septum problems.
- If you suffer from obesity or are overweight, it is essential to go on a diet and reduce it; this will help you to improve the problem significantly.
- Frequent physical exercise is recommended to prevent overweight and promote muscle toning.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
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I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.